UAB Accreditation Tips and Tools — October 2016
Final Push for APRs in 2016
Research shows that one of the main reasons PR professionals pursue their APR is due to recommendation and support from a colleague or mentor. As we come into the final months of 2016, reach out to your APR chairs and other APR support networks and encourage them to identify people that have considered the APR but not pursued it, have begun but not finished or have never started but really should.
Direct potential APRs to the many resources available including the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) approved APR Online Study Course. Serve as their mentor. But above all, tell them about the value of earning your APR and what a great professional boost it is, when the time is right. #ItTakesAPRo
Survey Shows “It Takes A PRo” Toolkit Helps Promote the APR Credential
The It Takes A PRo campaign was launched last spring to help APR chairs and participating organizations promote the APR credential. It Takes A PRo is a call to action to all public relations practitioners to demonstrate their mastery of today’s strategic communications practice and their commitment to lifelong learning and ethical standards.
A recent survey of APR leaders indicates that the It Takes A PRo toolkit has helped increase APR awareness and created interest in others to ask about the APR credential.
The online toolkit includes several tools you can use to promote the APR:
- It Takes A PRo Brochure to share at conferences and other events that highlights the value of the APR.
- Seals you can use online or in print that show others your participating organization supports the APR.
- APR Web Copy so all participating organizations are sharing consistent information about the APR on their websites.
- E-newsletter Blurb Templates to help you tell your members about the APR.
Other tools in the toolkit include online and in-person marketing guidance, social media posts and It Takes A PRo graphics. Refer to it often and share the tools with others who can help you promote the APR. #ItTakesAPRo
Sharing APR Social Media Stories Boosts Engagement
An easy way to spread the word about the power and importance of earning the APR is by sharing Facebook and LinkedIn posts about the APR. Recent APR Facebook posts and LinkedIn posts have included interesting blogs from some new APRs about their journey to earning the APR — including tips for others considering the APR. When you talk about APR on social media, be sure to use #ItTakesAPRo.
Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
If your participating organization has student members, be sure they are aware of the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. Students who are within six months of graduation (either before or after) are eligible to take the Examination to receive their Certificate. Earning the Certificate starts new PR practitioners on a professional path and differentiates them from other new college graduates in public relations.
A new online study course makes it easy for students in PR or related majors at any college or university to prepare for and earn the Certificate. Help our new professionals stand out when they start out! #StandOutInPR